A computer error caused a FECA benefits recipient to receive more than $18,000 through no fault of his. But his failure to turn in financial information meant that he couldn’t escape paying it back.
Case
K.C. and U.S. Postal Service, No. 24-0459 (ECAB 12/04/25)
What Happened
A mail carrier filed an occupational disease claim, alleging that he sustained injury to his left hip, back, and legs due to factors of federal employment, which required repetitive standing, lifting, bending, carrying, walking, driving, and standing with heavy loads.
The Office of Workers’ Compensation Claims Programs initially accepted the claim for lumbar sprain and subsequently expanded the acceptance to include temporary aggravation of degenerative disc disease, temporary aggravation of unilateral primary osteoarthritis, temporary aggravation of avascular necrosis, thrombosis of left femoral vein, bilateral pulmonary embolism, and unilateral primary osteoarthritis.
OWCP paid the carrier wage-loss compensation on the supplemental rolls as of Oct. 21, 2015, on the periodic rolls from July 19, 2020, through Feb. 27, 2021, and again on the supplemental rolls intermittently from Feb. 28, 2021.
On Nov. 13, 2023, OWCP issued a preliminary overpayment determination, finding the carrier had received an overpayment of compensation in the amount of $18,748.26 due to a computer error and through no fault of the carrier’s.
OWCP requested that the carrier complete an enclosed overpayment recovery questionnaire (Form OWCP-20) and submit supporting financial documentation. Because it did not receive documentation from the carrier, OWCP denied waiver of recovery of the overpayment and required repayment of the debt in full.
The carrier sought review from by the Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board.
